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KAHALU'U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

 

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

WEDNESDAY, July 12, 2006

KEY PROJECT

 

 

CALL TO ORDER - Due to a quorum of eight members not being present at this time, the Informational Session reports were given.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Cappella, George Okuda, Morris Graham, Arthur Machado, Jr., Kurt Mench, Leialoha “Rocky” Kaluhiwa, Wayne Panoke, Kenneth LeVasseur, Daniel Bender Amy Luersen, Gregory Geboski (appointed at this meeting).

 

MEMBERS ABSENT: Emil Wolfgramm, Moana Lee, John Piper, and Rich Vermeesch.

 

GUESTS: Keala Naluai (MOKM), Katherine Folasa (Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz’s Office), M.J. Valencia, Yvonne Kearns (U.S. Congressman Ed Case’s Office), Sarah Fry (MCBH), Alec Lambert, Jerry Kaluhiwa, Craig Nishimura (Mayor’s Office/Department of Design and Construction), Bob Masuda (Department of Land and Natural Resources), Jean Paul Renoir, Captain Robert Libed (Honolulu Fire Department – Kahalu’u Station), Lt. R. Robinson (Honolulu Police Department – District 4, Kaneohe), Meyers, Dianne T. Stevens-Poire’, Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

 

Due to a quorum of eight members not being present at this time, the Informational Session reports were given.

 

INFORMATIONAL SESSION:

 

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain R. Libed reported the following:

 

1)       Statistics for the month of June included 1 structure (Kaaawa), 1 brush, 6 rubbish, and 1 vehicle fire, 36 medical and 7 miscellaneous responses.

 

2)       Fire Safety Tip – Take the time to childproof your home, especially since keiki are on summer vacation. Check for potential dangerous situations, i.e., electrical shock, accidental falls, or poisoning from medications, cleaning fluids, and houseplants. Keep matches and lighters in a safe place and out of the reach of small children.

 

Captain Libed was thanked for attending the meeting.

 

Luersen and Panoke arrived during the above portion of the meeting. A quorum was now present (9 members).

 

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD)Lt. Robinson explained the handout with the monthly statistics has a new format. Beats 471 and 472 show the statistics for the Kahalu’u area.

 

1)       Follow up relative to the shortage of police officers in District 4, there is shortage of 19 officers (2 sergeants and 17 officers).

 

2)       There are plans to put in a new beat in the Laie area.

 

3)       Regarding illegal motorcycle riding in area public parks, patrols have been increased and some citations have been issued.

 

Questions, answers and comments:

 

1)       Bender expressed concern regarding minors on unregistered motorcycles riding on Kahekili Highway. He mentioned he sees them when taking his daily walks. Lt. Robinson responded the any unregistered vehicle (cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc.) should not be on the roadway. It was recommended to call 911.

 

2)       A resident questioned if the District 4 police shortage of officers is in funded positions. In response, there is a shortage of approximately 120 officers in the entire department. Chief Correa proposes to fill 332 positions, 220 of which would be for patrol. The department is trying to keep up with filling positions of retirees as rapidly as possible. Recruitment classes are ongoing. The problem is a shortage of qualified candidates. Machado commented it seems as though the department is not getting ahead in filling of vacancies, due to the number of retirees leaving the department. The response was that one position was filled within the district. Lt. Robinson relayed the number of position the district should have and said the actual count of vacant positions is 28.

 

3)       Relative to illegal motorcycle riding in the parks, Cappella commented the situation is getting out of hand. At different times and day, he had report nine cases of illegal motorcycle riding in the parks. Cappella replayed that on July 4 he waited two and a half hours to speak with the responding officer. He expressed disappointment when a warning was given to the violator, not a citation. He suggested that citations rather than warning be given to violators who get caught. He mentioned a new website inviting people to go dirt bike riding in Waiahole Valley. It was mentioned that last week about 80 people were dirt bike riding in the valley. Cappella’s last call to 911 almost got him arrested because the officer thought he was the violator.

 

4)       Relative to District 4, personnel movements are done quarterly, with the next being July 23, 2006 gaining one officer. When an officer retires the waiting period is 90 days to six months before the position is filled. However, sometimes the positions are not filled.

 

Panoke asked if the issue could be referred to the Board’s Legislative Committee and work together with Council Chair Dela Cruz to come up with a resolution on how the positions can be filled. In response, Council Chair Dela Cruz and Councilmember Marshall submitted a resolution six months ago. Panoke noted it is time to revisit the issue during the next legislative session for the next budget cycle with the City Council.

 

Lt. Robinson was thanked for attending the meeting.

 

CALL TO ORDER – With a quorum now present, Chair Okuda called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.

 

Honolulu Police Department Continued: Panoke moved and seconded by Bender that the issue of vacancies in District 4-Kaneohe be referred to the Board’s Legislative Committee for legislation recommendations for the next Budgetary Session and lobby for additional funding for District 4. The motion carried unanimously, 9-0-0 Aye: (Cappella, Graham, Machado, Mench, Panoke, LeVasseur, Bender, Luersen.

 

Chair Okuda announced the following: The Chair before proceeding must recognize any Board member or guest desiring to speak before the Board. It is kindly requested that individuals with cell phones should have it turned to vibrate mode or off while the meeting is in progress.

 

The agenda order resumed.

 

PUBLIC CONCERNS NOT ON THE AGENDA:

 

Road Pavement Safety Issue – Resident Meyers expressed concern relative to new pavement and traffic control from 47-881 to Kualoa Ranch on Kamehameha Highway. He mentioned a tour bus was trying to enter the ranch, but had difficulty because someone put posts across the entrance hindering the bus from maneuvering the ingress turn. At the same time a City bus was dropping of passengers near by. He mentioned no one there monitoring traffic safety. Meyers is working with Council Chair Dela Cruz office regarding the matter. Also, reported was overgrowth of foliage on Waiahole Valley Road affecting road conditions. Mench fells that he believes that all cars should come to a stop in both directions if a bus is dropping off riders. Meyers reiterated due to the City bus unloading passengers, it added to the difficulty for the private bus to enter the ranch. This issue occurred prior to the repaving. Panoke asked if this happened on the shoulder of the roadway. He mentioned the shoulder of the road need to be maintained, however there is no schedule for roadway shoulders.

 

Agenda Items Format – Luersen questioned the process of how the agenda items are listed. She said Community Concerns are listed too far down on the agenda and suggested it be placed following the Informational Session before Elected Officials. It was pointed out that the Informational Session reports should be three minutes and limit Board and guest comments to two minutes. She recommended that at 8:00 p.m. of each Board meeting Community Concerns/Public Input be taken up. She said it is not fair that public concerns are pushed back on the agenda.

 

Discussion followed: a) Bender note that is standard rule. b) It was reiterated that at 8:00 p.m. the Board take up time out to hear Community Concerns, and then resume the agenda order, and it was asked if the process could start this evening. c) Panoke suggested a review of other Board agendas and commented he is not satisfied to the current agenda format. d) Cappella suggested City and State representative attend the meeting a half-hour later to give their reports. e) Chair Okuda mentioned he would try a new format for the August agenda.

 

7:26 p.m. Kaluhiwa arrived during the above portion of the meeting (10 members present).

 

VACANCY, ONE SEAT, SUBDISTRICT 6, HUI IWA LOOPGregory Geboski, a resident of Hui Iwa Loop, was interested in filling the Subdistrict 6 vacancy. He gave a brief background of his experiences. Machado moved and seconded by Bender nominating Gregory Geboski to fill the vacancy in Subdistrict 6, Hui Iwa Loop. The motion carried unanimously, 10-0-0.

 

Chair Okuda called a recess while the Neighborhood Assistant administered the Oath of Office to Geboski.

 

The order of the agenda resumed.

 

APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MAY AND JUNE 2006: Chair Okuda explained that minutes are not written verbatim, but summarized with the main points of what was stated. He read the following message from Joan Manke, Executive Secretary of the Neighborhood Commission Office in response to Ms. Naluai’s request for access to audio tape recordings of Neighborhood Board proceedings. Ms. Manke will prepare a written response to Ms. Naluai by the end of this week. Basically her response will include the following:

 

§         Corporation Counsel advises that the audiotape, if available, is a public document.

§         The audiotape is a “working document” for the NCO staff to use in preparing minutes as a back-up resource.

§         Standard office procedure is that the tape is reused to be cost effective.

§         All tapes are available for review in the NCO office within 10 days following the meeting, in the presence of NCO staff. Inasmuch as a request was received via Katherine Folasa for the June 2006 recording of the meeting, the tape will be available until July 19.

§         For your information the May 2006 tape is no longer available and was reused in accordance with office procedures.

§         Please know that the public is welcome to record all monthly board proceedings.   

 

 

May 2006:

 

  • Page 7, last item and first sentence should read, “... Malama O Kamali’i Makamae...”, Malama O Kamali’i Makamae is a non-profit organization (Na Kamali’i O Hawaii) whose objective would be to provide emergency safe shelters, promote and improve the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of each endangered and needy child ages 0-13 years.

 

  • Page 8, sentence 7 should read, “... With the help of Representative Meyer, House Concurrent Resolution gained support of the legislature. At its April meeting the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 voted to draft a resolution in support of the concept of Malama O Kamali’i Makamae...”

 

  • Page 6, inserted after sentence 9, Discussion should read, “... Luersen stated that she was not willing to vote in favor of giving a blanket approval to a non-profit organization’s project concept for the community without a specified proposed site location. She felt that there are a number of non-profits within the community but the Neighborhood Board’s role is to address the siting issues. Approval of a concept is not what a Neighborhood Board has done nor should do and would set an inappropriate precedence for other non-profit organizations in the future. She stated that it would be appropriate that the non-profit organization come before the board with a specific proposed site. Then the Board could vote in favor or not of such an action at that time giving the siting issues. Luersen asked Naluai if she had a specific site and brought up the Kahalu’u Master Plan community meeting where Naluai shared the selected site location of interest where the MOKM children’s center project with community members and others at that meeting. The reply was there is interest in a specific site within the Kahalu’u Regional Park, but they are still working on approval and acquisition of that site and of other possible sites. Other sites would also be considered since the MOKM organization was supported by the State Legislature 2004 to develop and operate these children centers statewide....” continue with sentence 10.

 

  • Page 6, Discussion should read, “... c) The reply was there is interest in this specific site within the Kahalu’u Regional Park, but they are still working on approval on acquisition of that site and of other possible sites. Other sites would also be considered since the MOKM organization was supported by the State Legislature 2004 to develop and operate these children centers statewide...”

 

Without objections the May 2006 regular meeting minutes were accepted as amended.

 

June 2006: The following correction were made:

 

  • Page 3, Per Naluai, Page 4, delete last sentence, “...regarding requesting the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a study of Hawaii’s laws affecting at-risk youth...”
  • Page 5, first Questions, answers and comments third paragraph should be, “...2)...”
  • Page 5, second Questions, answers and comments should read, “...5) Follow up should be done relative to the cost, authorization, and why “No Trespassing” posts in the ground, but can walk through were posted in Waiahole Valley...”
  • Page 7, first paragraph should read, ”... Secretary – By acclamation Moana Lee was elected secretary...”

 

By unanimous consent the June 2006 regular meeting minutes were accepted as amended.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Bender reported starting Board funding for FY2007 is Operating Account $1520, Publicity Account $993.00, and Refreshment Account $120.00. Expenditures in the Operating Account were $104.73 leaving a balance to date of $1,415.27, no expenditures in the Publicity Account leaving the balance of $993.00, and incurring no expenditures the Refreshment Account remains at $120.00.

 

Bender asked Board members if they were willing to receive the minutes and agendas via email and encouraged everyone to do the same.  Five Board members are willing.

 

7:26 Kaluhiwa arrived (10 members present).

 

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – Bob Masuda distributed Governor Lingles’ Weekly and said Peter Young was attending an emergency meeting this evening and was unable to attend the Board’s meeting. Masuda was available for questions.

 

Questions, answers and comments:

 

1)       Illegal motorcycles, pocket motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycling riding in Waiahole Valley is a major concern.

 

2)       Kaluhiwa said she attended the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council meeting regarding Ahu O Laka and commended Peter Young, Director Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) She expressed her disappointment with Representative Meyer and constituents for their opposition to the proposed monument. Masuda commented that there are many opinions relative to Ahu O Laka. (DLNR) felt it is a safety issue. Some nautical rules in terms of public use of the area will be enforced. However, the issue has brought attention to Ahu O Laka. It is hopeful the area will be respected and used properly.

Peter Young was attending an emergency meeting this evening and was unable to attend the Board’s meeting.

 

Panoke commented that Senator Hee’s legislation passed authorizing DLNR to provide administrative rules relevant to respect for the area designated as a monument. He added it was reported to him that Peter Young stated there is not going to be a policy. Masuda responded that he has not heard that, and Peter Young would not have said that.

 

Luersen asked if the Governor vetoed the bill. Masuda replied yes, she did veto it.

Chair Okuda asked although the bill was vetoed can DLNR proceed with administrative rules. Masuda replied there are some administrative rules in place that can be applied with the Attorney General’s office. He stated DLNR is still committed. The designation for the proposed monument is a way to help to get rules for the area. Both sides of the issues were heard at the meeting.

 

3)       Bender asked Masuda to relay the message to Lt. Governor that September 23, Primary Election Day, is Jewish holiday “Rosh Hashannah”. He wanted to know if absentee ballots would be available.

 

4)       Kaluhiwa reported a sailboat with a broken mooring line, banging against Heeia Pond. Also this past weekend, on Kamehameha Highway, a boat fell off a truck and knock the pole down, which landed across the street, and is still there.

 

5)       Chair Okuda asked for follow up regarding the concern about post placed along the shoulder of Kamehameha Highway near the entrance to Kualoa Ranch. Resident Meyers said that another resident put the posts across the roadway shoulder.

 

6)       Panoke express disappointment that the Ahu O Laka legislation was vetoed. But more important is the fact of what the site is being disrespected due to historic and cultural significance. The issue is the kind of behavior occurring at the site. He noted Ahu O Laka is a victim of colonization of islands. In response to Geboski relative to why the bill was vetoed, there is a message relative to the issue on the website. Luersen asked if the Governor vetoed the bill. Masuda replied yes, she did.

 

Bob Masuda was thanked for attending the meeting.

 

The agenda order resumed.

 

8:10 p.m. Luersen asked if Community Concerns could be heard. Panoke said to be fair tonight’s agenda should be carried and changes be made to the next month’s agenda.

 

INFORMATIONAL SESSION CONTINUED:

 

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) – Sarah Fry reported the following:

 

v      June 23 – July 27, 2006, Biennial “Rim of the Pacific” (RIMPAC) 2006 Exercise – MCAF will conduce 24-hour operations from Wednesday, July 5 to Thursday, July 27, 2006. The MCTAB beach at Bellows (normally open to the public weekly, Friday afternoon to Sunday evening) will be closed to public access July 21 – 26, 2006 for RIMPAC amphibious operations. (An official notification letter regarding the beach closure has been submitted to the City and County of Honolulu Parks Department which issues public camping passes for that location, so no camping permits will be issued for July 21 to 26, 2006. The USAF security detachment and recreation department at Bellows Air Force Station (AFS) have also been notified of the closure).

 

v      July 15 – 23, 2006, Castle High School MCJROTC Leadership Academy.

 

v      July 18, 2006, Windward Civilian-Military Council meeting, Legarie Room at MCBH Officers’ Club at noon (lunch starts at 11:30 a.m.).

 

 

 

 

Questions, answers and comments:

 

1)       Resident J. Kaluhiwa mentioned there has been an increase of plane activity over the residential areas. Fry replied that during the RIMPAC exercises the Marine Corps helicopters, the Navy, as well as eight other nations are involved in the training; C-17 aircrafts also use the airfield. Machado relayed the main concern is the aircrafts flying over the residential areas. Fry responded 24-hour operations are in effect until July 27, 2006.

 

2)       In addition Machado expressed concern about the closure of Bellows Beach to the public. Panoke asked if the dates of closure could be changed. Fry will relay this concern to the 3rd Fleet.

 

Kaneohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC) – Kaluhiwa reported she attended the KBRC meeting on July 5, 2006. She expressed concern that Robyn Makapagal, who represents the Kahalu’u Board at the meetings voted against the Ahu O Laka Monument bill. Kaluhiwa explained that this Board voted in favor of the monument and questioned if the issue is a conflict of interest on Makapagal’s part. Kaluhiwa noted that majority of those in attendance were from the yatch club. Kaluhiwa distributed copies of the history of Ahu O Laka for interested persons to review.

 

Discussion followed:

 

1)       Mench reported that Makapagal’s term is over. However, the Governor will not appoint the next Board representative until January 2007. Bonnie Kahapea is seeking the boating representative seat on the Council. The fishing representative seat sought by Hiilei Kawelo was not addressed.

 

2)       A question was raised if someone from the KBRC could come to a Board meeting. Kaluhiwa added the Council has no representative from OHA.

 

3)       Luersen pointed out if Makapagal’s term is over, could the item be placed on the next agenda. Mench will follow up as when or if the term has ended.

 

Board of Water Supply – No representative was present.

 

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

 

Mayor’s Representative – Craig Nishimura, Deputy Director of the Department of Design and Construction reported the following:

 

1)       Copies of the Mayor’s Honolulu News were circulated for interested persons to review.

 

2)       Follow up to concerns raised at last month’s meeting:

 

§         The Kahalu’u District Park project is still under the jurisdiction of the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) while under construction. The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has accepted the restrooms and will continue with mowing the grass.

§         The landscape contractor for the Kahalu’u District Park is Island Landscape.

 

Questions, answers and comments:

 

Cappella expressed frustration because the plants at the Kahalu’u District Park are dying. He relayed the plants have not been watered or maintained in months. The dying plants include naupaka (those alive are in the shade), 12 coconut trees, 13 wiliwili trees (due to wasps), 2 shower trees, 16 hau trees, and invasive weeds in the ballfields (not watered in months). He asked although the contractor is bonded, what happens if he goes bankrupt. He added the previous administration over watered the park, and presently the park is not maintained at all. Cappella asked that the problem be dealt with as soon as possible, and asked that the plants be watered tomorrow. Nishimura replied he would have the City work with the contractor on the matter.

 

Panoke addressed the issue by saying the problem has been in existence for months. He asked Nishimura, as the Mayor’s representative, to work with the City departments, and have the community get involved if need be. He noted the community is still awaiting a definite response. He also asked if a letter from the Mayor or Managing Director would be need.

 

Panoke moved and seconded by Machado to send a letter to the Managing Director from the Board asking that he work with the designated City departments and come up with a timeline as to when the issue was reported to fixing of the problem, and a date for the opening of the Kahalu’u Regional Park.

 

Discussion followed:

 

1)       Geboski amended the motion adding that specifics such as overall landscaping.  Panoke and Machado agreed to the amendment.

 

2)       Machado raised a concern that the Kahalu’u Pop Warner teams thought they would be able to play on the field this year. They have been waiting five years for completion of the ball fields. Chair Okuda mentioned receipt of a letter sent by Council Chair Dela Cruz to Managing Director dated June 22, 2006. A follow up letter would be sent from the Board.

 

3)       Mench he understands the concerns relative to the plants and trees. However, the priority should be the opening of the ball fields. The Pop Warner teams are currently using King Intermediate School’s fields.

 

4)       Panoke reiterated the point is the timeline as to when the park would be opened for use. A footnote to the letter was suggested incorporating public use of the park be for the youth programs be a priority.

 

The motion carried 10-1-0. Aye: LeVasseur, Graham, Bender, Panoke, Machado, Luersen, Mench, Kaluhiwa, Geboski, Okuda; Nay: Cappella.

 

Further discussion: a) The Kahalu’u Master Plan workshop for tomorrow night is to discuss design not to determine timelines. Cappella is asking the right questions. The issue with the Kahalu’u Regional Park is a separate issue and would no effect on the Kahalu’u Master Plan.

 

Craig Nishimura was thanked for attending the meeting.

 

U.S. Congressman Ed Case – Yvonne Kearns distributed the 2006 Congressional Report and was available for questions.

 

Questions, answers and comments:

 

Mench reported that two years ago the RIMPAC exercises were outside of Kaneohe Bay. He asked if Congressman Case could mention in Congress that this year the vessels were witnessed dumping garbage from the ships into the ocean.

 

Yvonne Kearns was thanked for attending the meeting.

 

Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz – Katherine Folasa distribute Council Chair Dela Cruz’s written report and highlighted/added the following:

 

1)       Incorporated in the written report was the Capital Improvement Project Budget for District II.

 

2)       Council Chair Dela Cruz sent a letter to the Mayor regarding installation of the canoe halau gate.

 

3)       Resolution 06126, relating to the Koolaupoko Infrastructure May and a dog park for the Ahuimanu area was denied by the Department of Planning and Permitting.

 

4)       Department of Planning and Permitting affidavits were circulated. This department has 11 investigators island wide.

 

5)       Kualoa Sunset in the Park, October 7 and 8, 2006 at Kualoa Park. A planning committee meeting is scheduled for July 25 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

 

Questions, answers and comments:

 

1)       Kaluhiwa mentioned that the Kaneohe Drivers Licensing for re-licensing would be opening at the Koolau Shopping Center in December. She commented that the employees at the Kalihi drivers licensing office are very unfriendly and hopes that friendlier personnel are hired for the Kaneohe office.

 

2)       Kaluhiwa reported that a community member picks up rubbish along Kamehmeha Highway from the pier to the end of the stretch. She asked if the tied trash bags left along the highway could be removed.

 

Katherine Folasa was thanked for attending the meeting.

 

Representative Colleen Meyer – No representative was present.

 

Senator Clayton Hee – – No representative was present.

 

COMMUNITY CONCERNS/PUBLIC INPUT:

 

Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board No. 29 will recognize and thank any “local business” that reduces its consumption of energy by the addition of solar water heating equipment, increase of internal temperatures by five or more degrees, and/or additional of thermal insulation material to reflect heat out of retail spaces:

 

Relative to the Board’s Publicity budget, Bender explained that it is never utilized. The Board’s position is also not to have Olelo videotape the meetings. He mentioned that the Board is not getting coverage and suggested that the Board members think about the idea of having the monthly Board meeting videotaped by Olelo. Bender also suggested community members who conserve electricity, water, etc., be recognized with certificates of appreciation. It was the August agenda to include videotaping of monthly Board meetings by Olelo utilizing the Board’s Publicity Fund.

 

Panoke moved and seconded by Kaluhiwa that the Board start a recognition program, recognizing environmental local businesses and community people who reduce their energy consumption.

 

Discussion followed: 1) Details of the program must be worked out. 2) Nishimura noted that clarification would be needed. 3) Morris recommended looking and amount of money in the publicity fund and where the Board would like it to go.

 

The motion carried unanimously, 11-0-0.

 

Closure of Pulama RoadChair Okuda acknowledged receipt of a petition from residents of the Kahalu’u Ka’alae’a/Waiahole/Waikane due to concerns of Pulama Road closure. Per the petition there are three large boulders blocking the roadway through Pulama Road. The road flows through to Ahilama and Lamaula and down to Wailehua. They believe that private homeowners in that area blocked the road with these large boulders. They feel the boulders should be removed, in such cases of accidents and flooding on Kamehameha Highway. It was noted that the road is a public access, not private.

 

Discussion followed:

 

1)       Machado stated that the issue was brought up last month.

 

2)       Panoke mentioned he thought the road was privately owned when he checked. He suggested that City Corporation Counsel via the Neighborhood Commission Office assist with providing suggestions as to how to resolve the matter. He stated that the process of getting determination of ownership must be carefully orchestrated.

 

3)       LeVasseur, Chair for the Board’s Safety/Transportation/Environment Committee, offered to take the issue on as a task.

 

4)       Luersen asked if anyone in the audience was here for this particular issue this evening.

 

5)       Luersen asked why the road was closed, and is the issue emergency access or all time access? Chair Okuda recommended focusing on an emergency access.

 

6)       Panoke stated that the purpose for a motion is to specifically address emergency access: a) recognize it as an issue; b) process to move forward quickly; c) the neighborhood assistant to schedule a meeting with Corporation Counsel, LeVasseur, and Panoke through the Neighborhood Commission Office Executive Secretary; d) If the road is private, work with the owner on emergency access.

 

7)       Mench added that the road area is question is just a passage over a stream and is unable to accommodate large trucks or buses.

 

8)       Geboski asked if there are designated emergency roads for this area. Luersen answered it is a practice, but not a legal designation.

 

Panoke moved and seconded by Kaluhiwa to assign the issue of Pulama Road to the Board’s Transportation Committee, contact Corporation Counsel through the Neighborhood Commission Office for an appointment, and speak with individuals and express the intent to investigate action for community access through Pulama Road in case of emergencies. The motion carried unanimously, 11-0-0.

 

Condition of Noriko’s Property – Chair Okuda reported complaints have been received regarding the condition of Noriko’s Property.

 

Mr. Lau one of the landowner’s of the property relayed the following: The landowners are aware of the problems and have spoken many times with lessee Mr. David Chu. The lessee has been informed by building inspectors that it is illegal to do car repairs on the property and was told to have the cars removed or be cited for violations. Chu agreed to remove the cars, and when given notice of violation always pays the fines. Lau explained he and two other relatives inherited the property. They would like to work with the community. The property and lessees have been in litigation three times.

 

Questions, answers and comments:

 

1)       Cappella wanted to know how many more chances would Mr. Chu be given by the landowners. In response, in October of 2005 the landowners were not inclined to sell the property. However, in December of that same year it was decided to sell, but the deal with the fell through. The property is zoned B-1 (business). He admitted it was a bad decision to lease the property to Mr. Chu. When the Noriko’s closed, Bank of Hawaii issued a foreclosure notice.

 

2)       A brief history of the property was given.

 

3)       Luersen asked is it to be assumed Mr. Chu is in violation of the lease. The response was technically yes or maybe. The family still has an exiting mortgage on the property. Luersen relayed she appreciates the fact that Lau is involved with the Kahalu’u Master Plan. She mentioned that the property is a major piece of the Kahalu’u community, which is right on the shoreline, but she doesn’t know the right answers to the issues happening on the property. It was suggested if there were shoreline use on the property, usage would be of value to the landowner as well as the community, and a social benefit to all.

 

4)       Chair Okuda mentioned he noticed lights on in the back area late hours of the night. Lau replied Mr. Chu claims the lights are from the watchman.

 

Status of Property Owner and meeting with the Department of Planning and Permitting Regarding Encroaching wall – Dianne Stevens-Poire’ reported she met with four inspectors from the Department of Planning and Permitting on June 21, 2006 regarding possible violations from her neighbor’s wall encroaching on her property. She submitted a list of possible 21 grading violations by her neighbor.

 

Discussion followed: a) Chair Okuda asked Council Aide Folasa to check the ordinance regarding this issue. Folasa replied any person needing a permit must go to the Department of Planning and Permitting, and make sure the department follows the law and does their job. Each permit is on case-by-case basis.

 

 

COMMITTEE PRESENTATIONS:

 

Safety, Transportation, and Environment: LeVasseur suggested the following material be added to the April 2006 minutes to enable the community to better fully understand the issue discussed relative to the stoplight fronting King Intermediate School – “LeVasseur briefed everyone that the light fronting King Intermediate School, as it is operating on the “Phase In” mode, is what this Board, the previous Administration, Councilmember Barbara Marshall and numerous others agreed to what could be there. He visited the site today and tried pushing the non-functioning light buttons. He noted the light is in ‘Phase In’ mode because sensors have been installed in the roadway as for a full-scale traffic signal. He stated the intersection would be safer without enabling the green lights and by keeping the light in ‘Phase In’ mode but with functioning buttons. LeVasseur received a copy of a letter sent to Mayor Hannemann from U.S. Congressman Ed Case asking him to look into the situation.”

 

There were no other committee reports.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair Okuda announced the following -

 

v      Mayor Hannemann sent a letter to Congressman Ed Case dated July 9, 2006 regarding the King Intermediate School stoplight. According to Melvin Kaku, Director of the Department of Transportation Services (DTS), a 2004 traffic study set the standards, which were approved by Federal Highways Division.

 

v      Agenda item requests must be directed to the neighborhood assistant two weeks prior to the Board’s meeting. The neighborhood assistant will then send the draft agenda to Chair Okuda for finalization.

 

Panoke & Morris left during the above portion of the meeting (9 members present).

 

v      Board Recess – Luersen moved and seconded by Bender that the Board recess in August, unless a special item needs to be discussed per the Chair, whereas a special meeting would be called. The motion carried 8-1-0, with Machado voting nay.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT – Chair Okuda adjourned the meeting at 9:26 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Submitted by Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by Chair George Okuda and Vice Chair Amy Luersen

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

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